“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21
Understanding the Intermediate State
When we think about the intermediate state, we connect it to the time between our physical death and the resurrection. It’s comforting to know that this period is not a place of suffering for believers but rather a restful state in the presence of the Lord. In this phase, our souls continue to exist, maintaining a relationship with God. The Bible reassures us of the continuous connection we have with Him in this state, providing hope and peace as we navigate thoughts of life after death.
2 Corinthians 5:8
“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 5:8
Philippians 1:23
“For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.” – Philippians 1:23
Luke 23:43
“And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.'” – Luke 23:43
Revelation 14:13
“Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.'” – Revelation 14:13
1 Thessalonians 4:14
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:14
The Assurance of Peace
In contemplating the intermediate state, it’s essential to embrace the assurance of peace it brings. We can find comfort in knowing that we do not face death alone; God accompanies us always. This peace flows from our faith in Christ, who has conquered death. As we experience the transition from earthly life to the heavenly realm, we can trust that our souls are safe and resting in His care, free from fear and anxiety.
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
John 14:1-3
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” – John 14:1-3
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” – Isaiah 26:3
John 11:25
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.'” – John 11:25
Psalm 23:4
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4
The Hope of Resurrection
As we ponder the intermediate state, we are filled with the hope of resurrection. This hope signifies that while our physical bodies may rest, our spirits continue to reside in the presence of Christ. The promise of resurrection gives us a reason to rejoice even in the shadows of death. We hold on to the truth that, just as Jesus rose from the grave, we too will rise again, fully restored and renewed, affirming our connection with God.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52
“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.” – 1 Corinthians 15:51-52
Job 19:25
“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth.” – Job 19:25
Philippians 3:20-21
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body.” – Philippians 3:20-21
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Revelation 21:4
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
The Companionship of Angels
When thinking about the intermediate state, we find comfort in knowing that we are accompanied by angels. Angels are sent by God to watch over us, offering protection and guidance. In this in-between time, we can imagine a host of heavenly beings surrounding us, celebrating the transition and keeping us safe as we await our eventual reunion with God. Their presence reassures us that we are never alone, even in our moments of departure from this life.
Psalm 91:11
“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” – Psalm 91:11
Hebrews 1:14
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” – Hebrews 1:14
Luke 16:22
“So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom.” – Luke 16:22
Matthew 18:10
“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 18:10
Revelation 5:11
“Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.” – Revelation 5:11
The Joy of Reunion
The intermediate state also signifies the joy of reunion with loved ones who have gone before us in faith. This prospect is a comforting reminder that we will see them again in the presence of God. Picture the warm embrace of family and friends who have walked with us in faith, celebrating together in eternal peace and joy. This sense of togetherness grants us the strength to face our own mortality, knowing it’s not the end but a transition to greater joys ahead.
1 Thessalonians 4:17
“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:17
Luke 16:25
“But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and you are tormented.'” – Luke 16:25
2 Samuel 12:23
“But now he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” – 2 Samuel 12:23
Matthew 26:29
“But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” – Matthew 26:29
Revelation 21:2
“Then I, John, saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” – Revelation 21:2
The Experience of Worship
In the intermediate state, one of the most beautiful experiences we anticipate is the act of worship. When we transition to be with Christ, our spirits are free to engage in worship without distractions or limitations. This time is filled with adoration and praise, filled with the profound realization of God’s greatness and love. We will find joy in being part of the heavenly choir, lifting our voices in honor of our Creator, experiencing His presence as we never have before.
Revelation 7:9-10
“After these things, I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'” – Revelation 7:9-10
Psalm 150:6
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” – Psalm 150:6
Hebrews 12:22-23
“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, the spirits of just men made perfect.” – Hebrews 12:22-23
Colossians 3:1-2
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” – Colossians 3:1-2
Revelation 4:10-11
“The twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: ‘You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.'” – Revelation 4:10-11
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the concept of the intermediate state, it helps us remember the beauty of life beyond this earthly existence. We can take comfort in the assurance of peace and the hope we have in the resurrection through Christ. There is joy in the promise of reunion with loved ones and the inspiring presence of angels guiding us every step of the way. The worship we look forward to experiencing captures our hearts and leads us to live our lives purposefully in faith.
Each verse and concept invites us to build a deeper understanding of the incredible journey God has mapped out for us, even beyond this life. Let this knowledge strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Him in every moment we experience happiness, sadness, or anticipation. Embracing these truths empowers us to share encouragement with others and explore more revelations of God, such as the moments about the dead sleeping or the dead going to heaven.
May our hearts remain hopeful as we trust in God’s perfect plan for our lives and the lives of those we hold dear.